World Rugby has officially opened the process to determine hosts for the next four World Cups. Expressions of interest for the hosting of the women’s tournaments in 2025 and 2029, and the men’s tournaments in 2027 and 2031 will be tabled through May of this year.
The second phase of the process will see candidates identified with submissions targeted for January 2022. Formal evaluations of the bids will begin the following month, with a final vote to be taken by the World Cup Council in May of 2022.
Countries that have already been sounded out as potential hosts include Australia, who are favorites to win the 2027 tournament, while Russia could bid for both 2027 and 2031. USA Rugby is also expected to pursue the 2031 tournament in collaboration with Rugby Canada.
Previous and awarded World Cup hosts to date are as follows:
MEN’S | WOMEN’S | ||
1987 | New Zealand, Australia | ||
1991 | England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales | 1991 | Wales |
1995 | South Africa | 1994 | Scotland |
1999 | Wales (England, France, Ireland, Scotland co-hosts) | 1998 | Netherlands |
2003 | Australia | 2002 | Spain |
2007 | France (Scotland, Wales co-hosts) | 2006 | Canada |
2011 | New Zealand | 2010 | England |
2015 | England (Wales co-host) | 2014 | France |
2019 | Japan | 2017 | Ireland |
2023 | France | 2021 | New Zealand |